General asks for remembrance of 'fallen heroes' at LV National Cemetery

Tuesday

May 27, 2014 at 8:18 AM

Brig. Gen. Joseph M. Martin said Americans recognize Memorial Day in different ways, and some may not acknowledge it at all.

John Richmeierjrichmeier@leavenworthtimes.com

Brig. Gen. Joseph M. Martin said Americans recognize Memorial Day in different ways, and some may not acknowledge it at all.

But, he asked those who gathered Monday morning for a ceremony at Leavenworth National Cemetery to stop and think about the people who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

"Think of those fallen heroes who lay before us now," said Martin, deputy commanding general of the Combined Arms Center for training at Fort Leavenworth.

Martin said he hopes departed veterans can rest comfortably knowing their legacy is preserved.

Monday's ceremony was the 128th annual Leavenworth National Cemetery Memorial Day observance.

"Today's a special day," Martin said.

He said similar ceremonies were taking place at U.S. cemeteries around the globe.

Martin noted that Americans have had Memorial Day observances while deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It's deeply understood the importance of today," he said.

He said people from a "very, very patriotic and supportive community" had come to the ceremony at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

"We consider our national cemeteries to be national shrines," said Debra Williams, administrative officer for the Leavenworth National Cemetery Complex.

She said they are focal points for remembering brave men and women who put themselves in harm's way.

Monday's ceremony included a presentation of colors by soldiers from the 15th Military Police Brigade at Fort Leavenworth.

Laura Moyers, a music teacher at Anthony Elementary School, sang the national anthem. Children from the Anthony Elementary School vocal-motion honor choir sang "America the Beautiful."

Soldiers from the 500th Military Police Battalion at Fort Leavenworth fired cannons for a national salute.

Bugler James Timmons performed taps. Cadet Cpl. Jessica Vold from the Leavenworth High Junior ROTC program led a riderless horse.

Representatives of Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth National Cemetery and various service organizations also presented wreaths during the ceremony.

During his remarks, Martin spoke of two Kansas brothers, Walter and Roland Ehlers, who served in the Army during World War II.

Both men were part of the D-Day invasion. Roland was killed during the invasion. Walter, who received the Medal of Honor, died earlier this year.

Dan Wiley, who served as master of ceremonies for the event, later said the Ehlers brothers still live. He noted the words that are engraved on a lectern at the cemetery, "The glory of their deeds lives."

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